India media regulation

India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to continue withholding Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels for an additional four weeks or until further notice, as per ANI reports. The decision is intended to curb what the ministry termed “unwarranted sensationalism and speculative reporting” by certain news broadcasters during the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict. Officials noted that such coverage could trigger unnecessary panic among viewers, particularly those with family or acquaintances in the Gulf region. This directive is an extension of a previous order issued on March 6, when the ministry first flagged concerns over the nature of news reporting related to the West Asia tensions. Reiterating its authority, the ministry emphasized that rating agencies must adhere to government directives under Clause 24.2 of the 2014 Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India. By suspending TRP ratings, the government aims to ease competitive pressure among news channels and promote more responsible, balanced reporting during a sensitive international crisis. Source: Economic Times